'Spider-Man of Yemen' dies after fall into volcanic crater

By euronews

Published on

15/06/2026 - 21:26 GMT+2

A Yemeni adventurer known on social media as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting a dangerous climb, authorities said.

Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was scaling the steep rock walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in Yemen's southern Dhale province when he lost his grip and fell into the crater. According to Yemen's Civil Defense Authority, Antar was climbing without safety equipment.

Rescue teams, including divers and water rescue specialists, were deployed to the site after the incident. Authorities said Antar's body was located about 30 metres below the surface of the crater's lake and recovered during a complex operation that lasted around four hours.

Video released by the Civil Defense Authority showed rescuers descending into the crater using ropes and a metal rescue cage to retrieve the body.

Antar had built a large following online through videos showing him climbing cliffs and rugged mountain terrain across Yemen, often without protective gear. His daring stunts earned him the nickname “Spider-Man of Yemen,” and many of his videos attracted widespread attention on social media.

Following the accident, Yemen's Civil Defense Authority urged climbers and adventure enthusiasts to follow safety procedures and use proper protective equipment to avoid similar tragedies.

Additional sources • AFP, AP